Alpine Mountaineering Course With Friendship Peak

Arrive in Manali and transfer to the scenic alpine village of Solang, located at 2,500 meters. The day focuses on team formation into rope groups of three for glacier travel efficiency and safety. A detailed gear check and equipment handover ensures proper fitting of boots, harnesses, and crampons. The expedition briefing covers terrain challenges, high-altitude risks, and emergency protocols. A hands-on session on efficient backpack packing, layering systems, and waterproofing techniques equips participants with critical skills for alpine climbing.

Train at the local rock climbing site with intensive sessions on rope work and climbing techniques. Learn essential mountaineering knots like Figure-8, Bowline, and Prusik, along with belaying, rappelling (both harness and Dülfersitz), and ascending ropes using jumars. Master anchors and belay systems using both natural and artificial setups. Develop climbing footwork and crack/slab techniques. End the day with climbing-specific strength training, flexibility drills, and high-altitude ration planning to prepare for the physical demands ahead.

Embark on a challenging 10–12 km trek to Beas Kund (3,700m), practicing effective use of trekking poles, breathing techniques for altitude, and rest-step pacing. Upon arrival, participants learn critical navigation skills: topographic map reading, compass orientation, and GPS usage. Learn campsite selection strategies, tent setup, and sleep systems for cold environments. Sessions on mountain hygiene, waste disposal, and high-altitude cooking complete the day’s comprehensive alpine preparation.

Train in snow and ice techniques essential for climbing Friendship Peak. Practice various crampon techniques such as flat-footing, front-pointing, and hybrid methods on icy terrain. Master self-arrest using an ice axe, learn anchoring for belay, and practice glacier rope management, including short-roping and long-roping. The day includes crevasse rescue drills, partner recovery, pulley systems, and first aid for AMS, HAPE, and HACE. Avalanche awareness and snowpack analysis prepare climbers for mountain safety.

Undertake a gradual trek to summit camp at around 4,500m, incorporating regular rest stops for acclimatization. Focus on identifying safe terrain features, avalanche zones, and optimal route choices. Upon reaching the high camp, participants set up shelter against snow and wind. Engage in strength and mobility drills tailored for high altitude. Gain insights into the mental challenges of high-altitude mountaineering, learning to manage stress, fatigue, and fear effectively.

Participate in an active acclimatization hike to approximately 4,800m to enhance oxygen efficiency. Learn essential survival techniques, including constructing snow caves and bivouacs for emergency shelter. Final gear checks ensure everyone is ready for summit day. Discuss rope team strategy, communication protocols, and nutrition/hydration for summit success. Learn how to maintain efficient team communication in harsh, high-altitude conditions.

Begin the summit push in an alpine start between 2–3 AM. Rope teams ascend mixed terrain—snow, ice, and rock—practicing crevasse safety, rope spacing, and safe climbing techniques. After reaching the 5,287m summit of Friendship Peak, celebrate the achievement with a summit check and brief pause. Descend cautiously to base camp, focusing on energy management, controlled movement, and maintaining team cohesion in post-summit fatigue.

Break camp and descend back to the road head, reviewing gear packing, load distribution, and terrain risk management. This return trek consolidates all learning in a real expedition context. Transport is arranged to take the team back to Solang. The day concludes with a structured debrief, experience-sharing session, and group reflection on the entire mountaineering experience.

The expedition wraps up with a final reflection on individual growth, mountaineering skills learned, and challenges overcome. Participants receive certificates of completion and depart with new alpine competencies, stronger teamwork, and memories of summiting one of Himachal Pradesh’s iconic peaks.